His performance, however, was far from royal, and although many had fancied the American to trouble the less-experienced Joshua, the bout proved one-sided.

The 26-year-old Londoner’s power was simply too much for defending champion Martin, who failed to make any impression during the fight.

Joshua started cautiously, but soon found his range and began to work away at Martin, landing several big shots that unsettled the American.

By the middle of round two it was all over. A big right-hand from Joshua sent Martin to the canvas, and although he survived the count, he was sent crashing back down to the floor seconds later by another powerful right. This time he didn't make the count, and the referee ended the fight to hand the Brit the title.

Joshua won the super-heavyweight gold at the London Olympics in 2012, and becomes only the third man in history to hold a professional heavyweight title at the same time as being a reigning Olympic champion – joining the legendary Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks.

He has rushed to the title in double-quick time, and the win now sets him up for a potential all-British superfight against current WBO, IBO and WBA title-holder Tyson Fury, who defeated Wladimir Klitschko last November.

Fury’s camp recently announced that their man will face Klitschko in a rematch in the Briton's hometown of Manchester on July 9, but should Fury come through that successfully, a matchup against Joshua would surely be on the cards.